Don't Forget the Family Pet During School Break

Spring vacation is less than a month away, and many Wilton families are making plans for a vacation getaway. One family member sometimes forgotten in this advance planning is the family dog or cat.

“With area school districts on similar schedules for spring break, pet care providers are booking up quickly,” says Renee Coughlin of Wilton’s Canine Company.

“To be sure your pet is in the hands of a professional while you’re away, it’s important to book pet care as soon as you lock in your travel plans.”

One question pet parents must address is whether to board their pet at a kennel or have a pet sitter come to their home. “We believe in-home care is the better choice for most pets,” she says, siting three major advantages:

• Pets are most comfortable in their normal, home environment. While some dogs enjoy the excitement of the kennel, many become stressed when left in a strange place. This can lead to health issues like vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

• In-home care reduces exposure to disease. New strains of canine influenza and kennel cough are constantly circulating and can be dangerous for very young and older dogs.

• Regular pet sitting visits provide an added advantage: home security. When there is a car in the driveway and newspapers or mail is being taken indoors each day, it looks like someone is home.

“Not all pet sitters are created equal,” says Coughlin “Look for someone who is trained in animal behavior, certified in pet first aid and CPR, as well as bonded and insured -- like our Canine Company pet sitters, who have the full resources of the company behind them.”

Canine Company has been helping keep pets healthy, safe and happy at home since 1983 with products and services including Invisible Fence® brand pet containment systems, Manners dog obedience training, mobile dog grooming and pet sitting. For information, call 800-818-DOGS (3647) or visit www.caninecompany.com.